THE BOOK-HUNTER AT HOME

Madam,

It would be churlish indeed were I to send thisbook into the world without some acknowledgment of theshare which you have had in its making. Indeed, I feel thatyou are chiefly responsible for it: without your encouragement,your active help, your patience with me at all times(at which I marvel constantly), it would never have arrivedat completion. Truly it is your name, not mine, that shouldappear upon the title-page; for although mine may have beenthe hand that penned the words, certain it is that yours wasthe mind that guided my pen throughout. It is to yoursympathy, your judgment, your excellent taste, that I amindebted for every good thing that I have penned; andwhere I have put down aught that is trite or insipid, it is[vi]due to my own natural obstinacy in refusing, or carelessnessin neglecting, to defer the matter to your better judgment.Thus it is only right that whatever praise may be bestowedupon this book should be accorded to you; my shoulders alonemust bear the censure of the discerning reader.

I am, Madam, your very dutiful,      
and loving husband,            

The Author.